Riley on Tedford: 'I've known Jeff for a long time'

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CORVALLIS, Ore. -- After suffering it's second loss of the season, Oregon State returns home this Saturday to host the struggling California Bears.

Cal comes to Corvallis on a four game losing streak and head coach Jeff Tedford is on the hot seat.

On Tuesday, Mike Riley said he has a lot of respect for Teford as the two go a long way back.

"I coached Jeff Tedford," says Riley. "My dad signed Jeff Tedford in the Canadian Football League right out of Fresno State, years and years ago. I've known Jeff for a long time. His last stint in professional football was with our team in Winnipeg before he entered the coaching ranks."

Tedford is the all-time winningest head coach at Cal with a 82-56 record since 2002.

Tedford and Riley are two of the longest tenured head coaches in the Pac-12.

Last Season's Loss

Despite the Bears 3-8 record, OSU coaches say they believe California is still a dangerous team.

Defensive coordinator Mark Banker brought up last year's 23-6 loss against the Bears, in which Isi Sofele ran for a career high 190-yards.

"We stunk," says Banker. "It was just a terrible feeling. That stadium was absolutely as quiet as a church mouse. They seemed like they were just waiting to get beat. We didn't seize the opportunity on hand."

Quarterback Update

Riley still has not named a starting quarterback for this Saturday's match-up with California.

Cody Vaz missed his second practice this week on Tuesday as Sean Mannion took all of the first team reps. Riley remains hopeful that Vaz will return to practice by Wednesday, even though it seems unlikely.